CAF mourns the passing of Ghana icon Attuquayefio

CAF President Issa Hayatou has expressed sadness over the death of legendary ex- Ghanaian footballer and coach, Cecil Jones Attuquayefio.

The ex-forward passed away on Tuesday, 12 May 2015 in Accra after a protracted illness, aged 70.

“On behalf of the CAF Executive Committee and on my own behalf, I extend my deepest condolences to the Ghana Football Association (GFA), the bereaved family and the Ghanaian football family. My thoughts are with you at this difficult moment.

“African football has lost one of its astute servants. From his playing era to his coaching days, Cecil Jones Attuquayefio left lasting memories in the minds of all,” said Hayatou.

Winner of the Africa Cup of Nations in 1965 (Tunisia), he was also part of the Black Stars squad that reached the final in 1968 (Ethiopia) and 1970 (Sudan).

Fondly called “Asmara” by his peers, he is famed for supervising the best moments in the history of Ghanaian club, Accra Hearts of Oak, guiding them to the CAF Champions League (2000), CAF Super Cup (2001) and CAF Confederation Cup titles (2004).

He was also named CAF Coach of the Year in 2000 and qualified Benin to their first ever Africa Cup of Nations finals in 2004 in Tunisia.

Besides the Ghana national team, he also hands stints with the Ghana U-17 team (winning bronze at the 1999 FIFA U-17 World Cup) and Ghana U-23 team with renowned players such as Michael Essien, Asamoah Gyan, Kwadwo Asamoah some of his pupils.